Vine Physiology, Yield Parameters and Berry Composition of Sangiovese Grape under Two Different Canopy Shapes and Irrigation Regimes

Abstract

Vitis vinifera L. adapts well to a scarce availability of water in the soil. However, in recent decades, the combination of thermal stress with prolonged water scarcity could have dramatic consequences on the vine’s physiological status. In this paper, we evaluated the effects of two canopy shapes and two irrigation regimes at veraison on vine physiology, yield parameters and grape composition through biochemical and molecular approaches. The water shortage strongly influenced the physiology of Sangiovese only when the stress was moderate to severe. Neither the water stress limited to veraison nor the canopy shape were able to influence the yield parameters and sugar content, and a strong induction of the expression of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins was recorded only in conditions of moderate-to-severe stress. This phenomenon led to an increase in the anthocyanin content in berry skins until the end of veraison. Conversely, no significant effects occurred in terms of biochemical and molecular performance after re-watering and at harvest. Though the shape of the canopy could play a role only under elevated temperature and prolonged drought, severe water stress can affect the vine physiology and berry ripening during the veraison stage.

Use of an automatic fruit-zone cooling system to cope with multiple summer stresses in Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes

“…This decision was thoughtfully made, taking into consideration the climatic conditions of the vineyard (Bologna, Italy) which are distinguished by almost constant humidity during summer, coupled with elevated temperatures ( Teslić et al., 2019 ). In detail, the Mediterranean basin has been facing increasingly harsh years, consequently, vines are exposed to intense solar radiation, elevating the risk of excessive temperature rise around the fruit-zone ( Poni et al., 1994 ; Valentini et al., 2022 ). This can result in reduced yields and a decline of grape quality, including anthocyanin accumulation ( de Orduna, 2010 ) which may be exacerbated when coupled with a substantial reduction of soil water content ( Carvalho et al., 2016 ).…”

“…According to several authors, Vitis vinifera L. exhibits a general anisohydric behavior in conditions of water scarcity and thermo-radiative excess ( Tombesi et al., 2016 ; Valentini et al., 2022 ). In greater detail, the mentioned grape varieties showcase distinct responses to drought conditions, particularly in terms of stomatal control: Montepulciano (near-isohydric) demonstrates nearly complete stomatal closure at leaf potentials less negative than those observed in Sangiovese, which is considered anisohydric ( Dal Santo et al., 2016 ).…”

Climate Change Affects Choice and Management of Training Systems in the Grapevine

“…Tere were only minor diferences in midday leaf water potential between the two trellises for a specifc irrigation treatment throughout the season. In addition [114], measured stem water potential at various dates under well-watered or water-restricted conditions in Sangiovese vines spaced 1 m apart in the row and trained as VSP and SHW showed minor diferences, suggesting a V-shaped sprawl canopy might have a diurnal water use fairly similar to a VSP canopy, as it was also found by Intrieri et al [26]. Te same conclusion was reached in a trial on Albariño [15] where VSP and a downward growing SHW trellis were compared.…”